My Journey

I’m Celia — an artist in Arlington, VA.

My photography explores the space between reality and imagination through layered imagery that is both recognizable and abstract. By combining colors, textures, and shadows, I create visual narratives that invite viewers to imagine their own stories.

I love finding a linear, spatial or thematic connection between two photographs, fitting different images together like a puzzle, and transforming something straightforward into something more rich and multi-layered. My aim is to create surprising but harmonious compositions that invite a second look.

Secret worlds and magical journeys have always enchanted me — the ability to disappear into different windows of time. Photography allows me to build those spaces visually. By layering two images, I can blur the boundaries between the tangible and the imagined, creating images that feel dreamlike, immersive, and open to interpretation.

I am particularly drawn to the beauty and mystery of natural landscapes, abandoned buildings, architectural elements, and multilayered urban scenes. My aim is not only to breathe new life into forgotten structures, but also to encourage viewers to consider the complex ways humans, time, and nature are intertwined. 

Alongside my photographic work, I am also drawn to analog collage. I enjoy physically cutting and pasting images to create unexpected textures and connections. The spontaneity and discovery of collage mirrors my approach to photography — fragments coming together to form a brand new whole.

My process includes a lot of wandering, watching, and thinking through how I can transform the elements I find into something unexpected that’s thought-provoking or just fun.

My work is 100% human created and edited.
 

Gallery and Professional Affiliations

Select Awards

  • Second Place Award for Shadow Skyscrapers in national juried exhibit, Reflecting, Maryland Federation of Art.

  • Honorable Mention for Timeless Treasures in regional juried exhibit, Ceremony, Arlington Artists Alliance.

  • Honorable Mention for Life Cycles in national juried exhibit Changing Americas 2025, Maryland Federation of Art.

  • Featured Artist. One of four artists chosen to create locally focused artwork for Arlington County Board stationary project.

Where to Find My Work

Recent Juried Shows